Wednesday, March 30, 2011

We recently went up to the big smoke to watch the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames. My brother, being an Oxford Graduate, was keen for the dark blues to win!

We found at spot just by Chiswick brigde (the finish line) and waited for the race to start. As we were at the finish line we didn't see that to start with it was a very close race, but by the time they go to us Oxford were storming ahead and they took the victory.

It was really fun to see as I have only ever seen it on TV before, and I felt very British haha.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Alyna and I at work having a bit of fun wearing red on Red Nose Day this year - got to love Comic Relief time! We organised a cycling event with the Sainsbury's team at work and got lots of people involved :)

PS - check out Smithy's sketch on You Tube if you didn't see it, it was brilliant.

PPS - I realise that this post will make no sense to my US blogees - Red Nose Day, Comic Relief and Smithy are very English - so sorry friends - google?

... I completed a half marathon! My brother and I ran the Selsedon half on Saturday and I did it in 2 hours 6 mins. (I was hoping for under 2 but there was a killer hill at 12 miles and it REALLY slowed me down).

I don't know how anyone can run an actual marathon though - if someone had said to me at the half finish line that I had to do the same again, I would not have been a very happy bunny. A full marathon is on my to-do list (just don't know how long that one will take to complete..!?!)

I am a bit achey but I'm really glad I did it and that I was able to raise some money for my YW girls to go to EFY this summer :)

My big brother David is an example to me in many ways, but recently he submitted an article about his mission experience to the Church's Ensign magazine and he is featured in the March copy, and it has really strengthened me to read it and know that he has a testimony and has been blessed by serving the Lord.

I was trying to find a link to it online, but I'm a bi rubbish with all of that - so here it is for all of you...

What about my career?

Everything was starting to work out perfectly. I had graduated from Oxford University with a degree in music and had started working for a professional orchestra in Edinburgh, Scotland. My career was progressing, and I was making lots of friends.

While studying, I had decided to delay full-time missionary service. Now the idea of serving was far from my mind. Fear of many things, especially the fear of stifling my career plans, made me think that I was an exception and that I didn’t need to serve. The sacrifices involved seemed too great.

Good friends and sweet experiences with the Spirit, however, began to change my heart. The love of a caring, watchful bishop helped me gain a stronger, deeper testimony of the restored gospel. Soon I knew that I needed to accept a call to serve. I had no idea how I would pick up my career in a competitive environment after a two-year break, but I trusted that the Lord would bless me for my decision. I left my job not knowing how things would work out.

I was called to serve in the West Indies Mission, speaking French. The challenges were hard, but I loved serving the people and seeing their lives change. During those two years I focused solely on seeking the will of my Father in Heaven. Serving others selflessly brought me more joy than I had ever experienced.

After returning home, I saw the world from the perspective of new priorities and values, and I sought to keep my life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. I immediately sought employment, but opportunities were few. After a string of unsuccessful job interviews, I realized that my two years in an unrelated field of work had scared off many potential employers. Would my mission really cost me my career?

I’m thankful that the answer was no. Almost three months later I spotteda vacancy that was perfect for me. I had just the right set of skills for the type of work involved. Not only that, but job candidates were required to speak fluent French! My mission opened the door for this opportunity. Three interviews later I was offered the job. My career was even further ahead than it would have been had I not served. I felt the Lord’s mercy and love. I know that He prepares blessingsfor us when we do our part.

What the Prophet Joseph Smith taught is true: “Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

... spring is nearly here and I am so excited. I know that sounds a little loser-ish, but this winter has been sooooo long!

I love everything to do with spring - everything new, the daffodils, crocuses, Easter, sunshine & lighter days (and my birthday of course).

I definitely miss my home town in Spring as I don't get to see the beautiful crocuses sprouting on the Stray in Harrogate, but we recently got a peep of lovely daffodils coming through in our garden (so heres hoping that the warmer weather arrives soon)!!

This past weekend we were able to spend some time with Mike's family, as it was his lovely mum's birthday!

We all met up at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, Surrey, as Chris had a driving experience voucher to redeem. So whilst Chris and Mike's dad were doing that we all got to have a look around the showroom / museum. (The boys loved it as there was an F1 display for the Mercedes teams).

They all came back to ours for some birthday cake...

...and we had a yummy meal out by the Epsom Downs racecourse in the evening.